Darren Roy's primary passion and calling is to promote the 'priceless privilege' of knowing Christ Jesus the Lord. This isn't about simply studying Christ intellectually or academically, but truly knowing Him in relationship. It involves discovering His love, walking in the Spirit, and growing daily.

In the UK, Darren is accredited by Churches in Communities International, an accountability body that promotes good-standing within the Free Churches Group. In his travels throughout the world, Darren has worked with believers across the denominational spectrum and continues to do so, aiming himself to be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This has led to a discipleship network where saints are equipped to first know Jesus and then to serve. 

Sadly, I didn't make the most of this opportunity. When I left home and became old enough to make my own decisions, I spent many years far away like the ‘prodigal son’. During this time I made many mistakes and resisted God’s call on my life. I always knew deep down that He wanted me to be in ministry but I’d fallen for the lie that God just wanted to restrict my life and make me miserable. I entertained the thought that God was against all the fun things in life. The prodigal years seemed like freedom and excitement initially, but it didn't take long to become trapped in all the things I said I hated as child; it's like I became everything I said I would never be and ended-up following the examples of those I said I wouldn't.

 

I made many errors and went through some painful experiences as a consequence to my rebellion. Thankfully however, through a series of events I came to a place of brokenness, at which point I cried out to God in sorrow. I had been the master of my own life for too long and there was overwhelming evidence of the foolishness of my own choices. Finally those rebellious years came to a God-ordained end when I begged to be one of God’s servants and He welcomed me home like a son. I received grace and mercy beyond anything I expected or deserved, and in a split second God introduced Himself as a loving Father. I was filled with a real and overwhelming love from God that ignited a passion within me to know Him more!

Being a recipient of God’s grace and having been given another chance, the cry He placed deep in my heart was to really know Him. I didn’t want to be a hypocrite and just pretend, so I prayed that He would show me how to actually develop a relationship with Him. I had heard many believers tell me that Christianity was a relationship with God and that they knew Him to some measure, but I wanted to discover how to make the most of the opportunity. I later discovered that the keys are clearly in the Bible and it's about making the most of the precious gift of 'eternal life' (John 17:3 AMPC).

 

And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and to understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.

 

After my awakening, in response to God’s clear direction, I moved from my 'pig pen' back to my home town. I joined the church which, strangely, as a child I felt I would one day lead but tried to ignore. They had recently held a seminar on 'knowing God' which was an answer to my prayers in many ways. I met people who weren't just saying they knew God, but were showing other people how to actually know Him too. Most of the people were, and still are, full of God's love and they wanted all of God's best for me. Some of the people I lead now were my leaders and mentors then, and I am grateful for their impact and involvement in my life.

 

I didn't fully realise it at the time, and for reasons too complicated to explain here, a large part of my growth was about discerning which elements of the church's teaching were healthy and biblical, and which parts had the potential to be misapplied. In a nutshell, unhealthy teaching can form when a narcissistic leader or unaccountable structure cuts off from outside voices, or when they come up with 'new revelation' beyond the historic and mainstream Faith. I was also concerned about some high-control, high-demand, NAR influences. It's after a period of discernment that these experiences and God's call led me to form the 2 parts of ministry:

 

• The Priceless Privilege: to promote the joy of knowing God personally.

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• Pastoral Harbours: to bring awareness and healing to spiritual abuse or trauma.

 

So, after a number of years training under a local pastor, who had some kinder sides to his character but also some darker ones, I had the opportunity to serve further with the coordinator of an international ministry. He oversaw my discipleship, ensuring I was a ‘doer of the word’ with spiritual fruit in a variety of circumstances. His teaching style was described as 'uncompromising and direct' but I also experienced plenty of encouragment from him which many didn't see. During my training, which involved travel around the world, I was able to witness God provide in everyday situations as well as the more perilous. The training included plenty of trials and Jesus' words to disciples became real; reading Matthew 16:24-25, Luke 14:33 and Romans 5:3-5 might give you some insight!

 

I was ordained in 2013 as a Minister of the Gospel with the international ministry. This meant I met their criteria for public ministry, and their criteria was quite high; consistently living and teaching the concept of abiding in Christ, trusting Him and obeying Him whatever the situation. Their training was more practical and fruit-based, so I later went on to earn a degree in Church Ministry from Global University which was sponsored by my local church. I've also completed courses in pastoral counselling and theology from other accredited and respected institutions. These all helped me to gain a more balanced approach to ministry. I am glad it was that way round, so that I got to learn what it means to be a disciple practically first. Of course, there are no graduates in God's school of discipleship so I'm always learning.

 

Soon after my initial ordination, my local church (the one I felt called to from being a child) asked me take on the role of Senior Minister, which I continue today. The board of the church also help me to remain accountable. In that role I also have a recognised ordination with an endorsing body called Churches in Communities International (CIC). Their founder, Dr Hugh Osgood, has been a great friend to our church and a personal encourager to me. I have held county and national roles with CIC and also served for 5 years as an emergency services chaplain. I eventually resigned those roles to focus on pastoring the local church, helping people who want to know God (The Priceless Privilege), and supporting others to overcome high-demand or spiritually abusive environments (Pastoral Harbours). 

 

When it comes to which 'flavour' of Christianity I belong, I don’t feel I just relate to one particular group. I basically want to be in the Church which Jesus is building and to support those who have put their trust in Him. My local church is clearly evangelical with some moderate charismatic influences, but for me to be personally marked within a Christian brand isn’t enough. I aspire to grow in the knowledge of truth regardless of which denominational marker that crosses; indeed, Jesus IS the Truth! In simplest terms I’d describe myself as a follower of Christ and it's Him I want to know.

 

My aim in life is to embrace  the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and to progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him  (Philippians 3:8 AMPC).

 

I serve to help others make the most of that priceless privilege.

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*Priceless: adjective;

extremely valuable or important, more valuable than any amount of money; precious; having incalculable spiritual worth. 

*Farlex collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.